The Big Five Safari is a short, value-for-money itinerary ideal for first timers or those with time constraints. Visit the wilderness of Kenya’s largest national park, Tsavo West, and spectacular Amboseli, backed by Kilimanjaro, and then have the option to extend with further wildlife viewing – perhaps in Tanzania or Rwanda – or a relaxing beach escape.

• Tsavo West: 2 nights

• Amboseli: 2 nights

6nightsSafari

NATURE

CULTURE

ACTIVE

The Big Five Safari is a short, value-for-money itinerary ideal for first timers or those with time constraints. You’ll get to visit the wilderness of Tsavo West followed by Amboseli, which is backed by Kilimanjaro. Then there’s the option to extend with a relaxing beach escape or further wildlife viewing – selected dates connect with our Taste of Tanzania itinerary to create an extensive Kenya & Tanzania Safari.

Day 1: UK to Nairobi Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Nairobi.

Day 2: Nairobi to Tsavo West On arrival in Nairobi, depart south-east straight for Tsavo West National Park, located in the Coast province in south-east Kenya. The landscape of Tsavo West is spectacularly varied, with semi-arid plains, open grasslands, dense woodlands, rocky outcrops and lava flows. The soil is rich and red in colour and this creates the illusion of magnificent red elephants – which are actually covered in dust from the soil. The park is also home to wildlife including rhino, buffalo, leopard, lion, waterbuck, lesser kudu, giraffe and gerenuk. Arrive in time for lunch with your group at Voyager Ziwani Tented Camp. Situated on a private sanctuary at the western edge of Tsavo, the camp sits on a secluded dam on the Sante River, which is home to crocodile and hippo. Enjoy views of Kilimanjaro and a tranquil atmosphere, and stay in one of the 25 classic safari tents. Each canvas tent has a protective thatched roof, en-suite bathroom and deck overlooking the river. Tonight there’ll be a welcome dinner for you and your group. Approx. journey time: 6½ hours. Stay: Voyager Ziwani Tented Camp. B, L, D.

Day 3: Tsavo West Head out on three game drives in historic Tsavo West spotting its dust red elephants, and visit popular Mzima Springs – a series of pools fed by underground streams. Stay: Voyager Ziwani Tented Camp. B, L, D.

Day 4: Tsavo West to Amboseli Leave Tsavo and head to Amboseli National Park at the foot of snowcapped Mount Kilimanjaro. Located in the Rift Valley province of southern Kenya, close to the Tanzanian border, Amboseli has some of the most dramatic views of ‘Kili’ – more so even than in Tanzania. Sunrise and sunset are spectacular in many national parks, but here, over Mount Kilimanjaro, are some of the best. The park has a large concentration of wildlife, particularly in the dry season. There are over 1000 elephants, including some of the largest in Africa. As well as the huge herds, catch sight of buffalo and lions in the open savannah, rolling hills and swamplands. Other wildlife inhabiting the grasslands includes cheetah, rhino, waterbuck, zebra and warthog amongst others. Though largely dry and dusty, Amboseli is also home to swamplands, fed by underwater springs from the meltwaters of Mount Kilimanjaro. These lush green swamplands attract wallowing elephants and hippo, as well as buffalo and birdlife. More than 400 species of bird can be found, including the rare Taita falcon and the southern banded harrier eagle. You’ll arrive at Ol Tukai Lodge in time for lunch. Ol Tukai has one of the best spots inside Amboseli, backed by Mount Kilimanjaro. Monkeys and baboons roam the grounds and the rooms are chalet-style with wonderful views of the wetlands or Kilimanjaro. After refuelling and refreshing, enjoy an afternoon game drive in Amboseli, spotting some of its many elephants and perhaps catching sight of buffalo, lions and hippo in the open savannah and swamplands. Approx. journey time: 5½ hours. Stay: Ol Tukai Lodge. B, L, D.

Day 5: Amboseli Today you’ll head out on early morning, mid-morning and afternoon game drives in Amboseli’s often arid plains. You will hopefully see buffalo and some of the big cats, with plenty of time to also enjoy the facilities at the lodge. Stay: Ol Tukai Lodge. B, L, D.

Day 6: Amboseli to Nairobi Depart Amboseli after breakfast and return to Nairobi. Approx. journey time: 4 hours. In Nairobi you’ll have the option to enjoy the use of a day room until you transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK, arriving the following day. Alternatively, we highly recommend that you extend your time in Africa. B.

Stay longer

Zanzibar beach 3 nights Just a short flight from Nairobi, the exotic ‘spice island’ of Zanzibar is the perfect post-safari tonic. The historic part of its capital (Zanzibar Town) is UNESCO World Heritage-listed Stone Town. This coastal city is a real mix of cultural influences, with labyrinthine alleyways, Sultan’s palaces, weathered historic buildings, intricate architectural details and vibrant markets. Stone Town is where you’ll find Zanzibar’s main cultural sightseeing, but it’s also worth taking a tour of the traditional farms, which grow cloves, cinnamon, vanilla and nutmeg, for an insight into the spices that have such an influence on the local cuisine. The ‘stay longer’ reason here is Zanzibar’s palm-fringed sands, lapped by warm Indian Ocean waters. Regularly voted among the world’s best beaches, you can spend your days soaking up the sun, enjoying pampering spa treatments, trying your hand at watersports and snorkelling among the colourful corals.

Mombasa 3 nights Kenya's tranquil coast offers an affordable beach extension to any Kenya safari. The vibrant city of Mombasa is the gateway to the coast, where over 300 miles of palm-fringed beaches include Diani Beach with its glistening white sands, and where the warm, clear waters are excellent for snorkelling and diving.

Combine with Selected 2018 Big Five Safari departure dates connect with our Taste of Tanzania itinerary to form an 11-night Kenya & Tanzania Safari. This itinerary is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts who are keen to discover northern Tanzania alongside Kenya in a single trip. After the Big Five Safari, you’ll travel to Namanga to cross the border, where you’ll be picked up to join the Taste of Tanzania itinerary. After a relaxing night in Arusha – the springboard town for Tanzania's northern circuit parks – you’ll head off to experience Lake Manyara, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Add on a short beach stay and you’ll have an impressively varied two-week holiday.

Day 1: UK to Nairobi Depart the UK on your flight to Nairobi. On arrival, transfer to your hotel for a relaxing overnight stay. Stay: Eka Hotel (or similar).

Day 2: Nairobi to Tsavo West Set off to Tsavo West National Park, located in the Coast province in south-east Kenya. The landscape of Tsavo West is spectacularly varied, with semi-arid plains, open grasslands, dense woodlands, rocky outcrops and lava flows. The soil is rich and red in colour and this creates the illusion of magnificent red elephants – which are actually covered in dust from the soil. The park is also home to wildlife including rhino, buffalo, leopard, lion, waterbuck, lesser kudu, giraffe and gerenuk. Arrive in time for lunch with your group at Voyager Ziwani Tented Camp. Situated on a private sanctuary at the western edge of Tsavo, the camp sits on a secluded dam on the Sante River, which is home to crocodile and hippo. Enjoy views of Kilimanjaro and a tranquil atmosphere, and stay in one of the 25 classic safari tents. Each canvas tent has a protective thatched roof, en-suite bathroom and deck overlooking the river. Tonight there’ll be a welcome dinner for you and your group. Approx. journey time: 6½ hours. Stay: Voyager Ziwani Tented Camp (or similar). B, L, D.

Day 3: Tsavo West Head out on three game drives in historic Tsavo West spotting its dust red elephants, and visit popular Mzima Springs – a series of pools fed by underground streams. Stay: Voyager Ziwani Tented Camp (or similar). B, L, D.

Day 4: Tsavo West to Amboseli Leave Tsavo and head to Amboseli National Park at the foot of snowcapped Mount Kilimanjaro. Located in the Rift Valley province of southern Kenya, close to the Tanzanian border, Amboseli has some of the most dramatic views of ‘Kili’ – more so even than in Tanzania. Sunrise and sunset are spectacular in many national parks, but here, over Mount Kilimanjaro, are some of the best. The park has a large concentration of wildlife, particularly in the dry season. There are over 1000 elephants, including some of the largest in Africa. As well as the huge herds, catch sight of buffalo and lions in the open savannah, rolling hills and swamplands. Other wildlife inhabiting the grasslands includes cheetah, rhino, waterbuck, zebra and warthog. Though largely dry and dusty, Amboseli is also home to swamplands, fed by underwater springs from the meltwaters of Mount Kilimanjaro. These lush green swamplands attract wallowing elephants and hippo, as well as buffalo and birdlife. More than 400 species of bird can be found, including the rare Taita falcon and the southern banded harrier eagle. You’ll arrive at Ol Tukai Lodge in time for lunch. Ol Tukai has one of the best spots inside Amboseli, backed by Mount Kilimanjaro. Monkeys and baboons roam the grounds and the rooms are chalet-style with wonderful views of the wetlands or Kilimanjaro. After refuelling and refreshing, enjoy an afternoon game drive in Amboseli, spotting some of its many elephants and perhaps catching sight of buffalo, lions and hippo in the open savannah and swamplands. Approx. journey time: 5½ hours. Stay: Ol Tukai Lodge (or similar). B, L, D.

Day 5: Amboseli Today you’ll head out on early morning, mid-morning and afternoon game drives in Amboseli’s often arid plains. You will hopefully see buffalo and some of the big cats, with plenty of time to also enjoy the facilities at the lodge. Stay: Ol Tukai Lodge (or similar). B, L, D.

Day 6: Amboseli to Nairobi Depart Amboseli after breakfast and return to Nairobi. Approx. journey time: 4 hours. In Nairobi you’ll have the option to enjoy the use of a day room until you transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK, arriving the following day. Alternatively, we highly recommend that you extend your time in Africa. B.

Stay longer

Zanzibar beach 3 nights Just a short flight from Nairobi, the exotic ‘spice island’ of Zanzibar is the perfect post-safari tonic. The historic part of its capital (Zanzibar Town) is UNESCO World Heritage-listed Stone Town. This coastal city is a real mix of cultural influences, with labyrinthine alleyways, Sultan’s palaces, weathered historic buildings, intricate architectural details and vibrant markets. Stone Town is where you’ll find Zanzibar’s main cultural sightseeing, but it’s also worth taking a tour of the traditional farms, which grow cloves, cinnamon, vanilla and nutmeg, for an insight into the spices that have such an influence on the local cuisine. The ‘stay longer’ reason here is Zanzibar’s palm-fringed sands, lapped by warm Indian Ocean waters. Regularly voted among the world’s best beaches, you can spend your days soaking up the sun, enjoying pampering spa treatments, trying your hand at watersports and snorkelling among the colourful corals.

Mombasa 3 nights Kenya's tranquil coast offers an affordable beach extension to any Kenya safari. The vibrant city of Mombasa is the gateway to the coast, where over 300 miles of palm-fringed beaches include Diani Beach with its glistening white sands, and where the warm, clear waters are excellent for snorkelling and diving.

Combine with Selected 2018 Big Five Safari departure dates connect with our Taste of Tanzania itinerary to form an 11-night Kenya & Tanzania Safari. This itinerary is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts who are keen to discover northern Tanzania alongside Kenya in a single trip. After the Big Five Safari, you’ll travel to Namanga to cross the border, where you’ll be picked up to join the Taste of Tanzania itinerary. After a relaxing night in Arusha – the springboard town for Tanzania's northern circuit parks – you’ll head off to experience Lake Manyara, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Add on a short beach stay and you’ll have an impressively varied two-week holiday.

Is this for you?

Ideal if you are short on time or want to combine with other destinations to create a longer tailor-made itinerary.

Good to know

• All departures are guaranteed• For guests over 7• A maximum of 6 guests per vehicle• Luggage must be in soft bags – try to pack lightly• Travel times vary dependent on road conditions and game sighting.

What to expect

• A short safari experience that can be customised to create a longer holiday• Some long drives of 5½-6½ hours, but you will see wildlife along the way• A relaxed and informal environment; casual, comfortable clothing is fine even in the evenings.

Accommodation on tour

We’ve chosen a traditional lodge and a tented camp to make sure you still get the full safari experience on this shorter itinerary. In Tsavo West, you’ll stay at the tranquil Voyager Ziwani Tented Camp in a private conservancy with an interesting history at the edge of the national park. In Amboseli, Ol Tukai Lodge has chalet-style rooms, a lovely pool, rooftop bar and wonderful views of Kilimanjaro.

Single travellers

Single supplement from £56

Is this for you?

Ideal if you’re short on time or looking to combine Kenya with other destinations to create a longer tailor-made itinerary.

Good to know

• All departures are guaranteed• For guests over 7• A maximum of 6 guests per vehicle• Luggage must be in soft bags – try to pack lightly.

What to expect

• A short safari experience that can be customised to create a longer holiday• Some long drives of 5½-6½ hours, but you will see wildlife along the way• A relaxed and informal environment; casual, comfortable clothing is fine even in the evenings.

Accommodation on tour

We’ve chosen a traditional lodge and a tented camp to make sure you still get the full safari experience on this shorter itinerary. In Tsavo West, you’ll stay at the tranquil Voyager Ziwani Tented Camp in a private conservancy with an interesting history at the edge of the national park. In Amboseli, Ol Tukai Lodge has chalet-style rooms, a lovely pool, rooftop bar and wonderful views of Kilimanjaro.

The Big Five Safari is a popular itinerary, offering a manageable duration without compromising on the full safari experience. Watching the sun rise over Mount Kilimanjaro from your lodge in Amboseli is one of the most special experiences in Africa, and a full-day game drive in Tsavo West with a picnic lunch will allow you to venture into a real wilderness.

Why Kuoni?

The Big Five Safari is a popular itinerary, offering a manageable duration without compromising on the full safari experience. Watching the sun rise over Mount Kilimanjaro from your lodge in Amboseli is one of the most special experiences in Africa, and a full-day game drive in Tsavo West with a picnic lunch will allow you to venture into a real wilderness.

All safaris in Kenya

Leopard Safari

This is an extensive and beautiful journey across Kenya. You’ll travel in a 4x4 vehicle to many of the main parks, culminating in the rolling plains of the Maasai Mara. As well as wildlife viewing, insightful excursions range from a full day discovering Nairobi’s attractions – including the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage – to visiting a local school and lion-proof boma supported by Born Free.

Porini Wilderness Safari

Cheetah Safari

The Cheetah Safari is our most popular itinerary, covering a wide area and showcasing the very best of Kenya including Samburu, the Rift Valley and the world-famous Maasai Mara. Mileages are quite long and road conditions can be poor on occasion, but you’ll get to see much more of this diverse country and the wildlife viewing is unforgettable.

Samburu & Maasai Mara Fly-in Safari

Taste of Kenya

Taste of Kenya offers a wonderful introduction to this wild country. Travel to the Eastern Rift Valley’s scenic lakes, best known for their birdlife and large rhino herds. Then head deep into the world’s most famous wildlife reserve, the Maasai Mara, where there’s the opportunity to take to the skies on an optional hot-air balloon ride. This shorter safari is a cost-effective way to fulfil a bucket-list dream.

Kenya in Style

This luxury safari takes in Kenya’s breathtaking lakes, mountains and most iconic wildlife reserve, staying at exclusive hotels and camps along the way. After travelling to the foothills of Mount Kenya and a wildlife sanctuary on the shores of sapphire-blue Lake Elmenteita, a light aircraft flight will whisk you to a wonderful unfenced tented camp in an exceptionally wildlife-rich corner of the Maasai Mara.

The Kuoni Difference

We believe no two holidays should be the same and a human touch can make all the difference.

We take the time to get to know you so we can help you plan an unforgettable holiday.

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